THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE PRINCIPATE

THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE PRINCIPATE

1. The Settlement of 23 BC

   • Augustus' proconsular imperium was now deemed to be superior to any governor in any province. ie --> he now had 'maius imperium'
   • Augustus was granted 'Tribunician authority' for life. He could now pass laws in the assemblies, summon the senate, veto laws and propose new ones
   • He gave up the office of consul but was later given consular imperium for life so he did not need to be a consul. He took on 'censorial powers' which allowed him to supervise membership of the senate

2. The Settlement of 27 BC

   • The Province of Egypt, gained after victory at Actium, became the 'property' of the princeps. Augustus now controlled its wealth and grain output
   • Augustus was nominated as consul for every year to 23 BC. this gave him imperium inside Rome itself
   • The senate was to run Rome's other provinces. These tended to be the quieter, more peaceful areas which required far fewer troops to be present
   • Augustus received proconsular imperium for 10 years over certain provinces. This gave him control of most of Rome's legions, as it was these provinces in which most of Rome's legions were located